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James Neal Obituary
Greer
James Ellerbe Neal, Sr. 81 of Greer, loving husband of Suella Clyde Neal, died October 3, 2011 after declining health.
Born in Silverstreet, SC he was the son of the late Mary Ella and John Eddie Neal.
He had a standout basketball career at his beloved Wofford College where he grew to the height of 6'11" and earned the nickname "Big Daddy". He garnered All American honors in 1953 and was NAIA Player of the Year. He was drafted in the fifth round by the Syracuse Nationals of the NBA where he played against the likes of George Mikan, Sweetwater Clifton and Bob Cousy. He helped the Nationals make it to the finals against the Minneapolis Lakers in 1954. In addition to having his jersey retired by Wofford, he was inducted into the Wofford Hall of Fame in 1980 and the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1990.
After leaving the NBA, he was hired by American Enka Textile Company as a construction manager and played Southern Textile Basketball. He retired from BASF after 38 years of service in the construction and engineering field.
He was an elder with several Presbyterian churches including Oak Forest in Asheville, Fort Hill in Clemson and most recently John Knox in Greenville. His Christian faith and involvement in Enka, Clemson, Pendleton and Greenville communities was an inspiration to all.
He was predeceased by his beloved first wife of 32 years, Maxine Clyde Neal. He then, much to the delight of family and friends, married and enjoyed 23 years of marriage to the former Suella Clyde Van Doren. In addition to his wife Suella, he is survived by his loving family included son James E. Neal, Jr. (Suzanne) of Greer, SC, daughter Susan Dickens (Randy) of Chapin, SC, stepson Edward VanDoren of Landrum, SC, stepson Wesley VanDoren (Adriane) of Hendersonville, NC and step daughter Suzanne Gray (Elmer) of Athens, Ga. and 13 grandchildren and his faithful four legged companion Precious. He was predeceased by sisters Lucretia Adams, Carrie Lee Suber and Mary Cleland.
The influence and impact on family and friends of this gentle giant cannot be measured. All will cherish their special memories of him. His life by example, work ethic, athletic accomplishments, love of family, wisdom, enthusiasm for life, and devotion to God will leave a void that can never be filled.
The family would like to sincerely thank Cascades at Verdae for their care and love given to him during his final months.
Visitation will be at 10:00 am with a memorial service to follow at noon on Friday, October 7th at John Knox Presbyterian Church. A private grave side service with follow later In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wofford College Terrier Club in honor of James E. Neal '53 at 429 North Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29392 or John Knox Presbyterian Church, 35 Shannon Dr., Greenville, SC 29615.
Cremation Society of South Carolina
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Neal
Doyle Webb
December 27, 2023
I Just learned of Jim's passing. I worked with Jim at the Enka plants in Central. I was with Daniel Construction. (1970's) Jim was a dear friend to me and I cherished his friendship deeply. I know he is greatly missed. Blessing to all the family.
October 27, 2011
Your father and I were colleagues within the BASF Corp Construction Engineering team. His ideas were always inciteful and respected by all. He will be missed as more than a colleague but as a friend.
George Sierant Retired Manager of Construction BASF
October 9, 2011
Mr. Neal stopped by our place every year to buy pecans. We live at the corner of Dillard Road and Gibbs Shoals Road. He was such a nice and colorful man. You will miss him and so will we.
October 8, 2011
Jamie, Susan, Wes and family. Sorry to hear about your Dad. We have alot of great memories growing up and your dad was definetly a part of that. Your family will be in prayers. Chuck and Maryann Stanberry
October 8, 2011
Jamie and Susan,
I am sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I have fond memories of your Dad while growing up in the Enka Village. He seemed to always take the time to play ball with the kids on the court he built for us all. God bless you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cliff (Shorty) Stanberry
Jennifer
October 8, 2011
Sue, I am a CNA at the Cascades I was very sad to hear about Mr Neal yesterday. He was a very sweet man and one I will never forget. Praying for you and your family. Thanks for always being such a sweet lady and for your encouraging words for us.
The Beacon on 8-9-2009
James C. Johnson III
October 7, 2011
James Jr.-
Your father truly left his mark on the world by his love that he shared with others. It was my pleasure to spend some time with your dad at the Beacon and reflect on the good times he and my late father had at Spartanburg High School. I know how much you will miss “Big Daddy”, but you can take comfort and strength from the wonderful family you and he had together. May God bless you and your family during this time and always.
-The Johnson Family
Joe & Pam Neikirk
October 7, 2011
Dear Susie,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your and Jim's friendship has been so valuable to my mom and dad and I know they have treasured you both through the years. We are praying that God will provide His peace and comfort and that you will share many special memories with your family over the next days. Take heart that Jim is enjoying a pain-free eternity! God bless you.
October 6, 2011
Susie,I enjoyed so much talking sports
and golf with "Big Daddy". I know how much you and your family will miss him,so will all of us. We love you,Randy and Cathy Hawkins, Greer, S.C.
October 6, 2011
Dear Mrs. Susie,
We are deeply sorry for your family's loss, please know that we are here for you in your time of sorrow. Thinking and praying for you, Love Your PD nurses: Heather, LeeAnn,Christina, Sue, Annie, and Doug.
vince yockel
October 6, 2011
It was a pleasure knowing and playing ball with "Daddy'. We were friends for many years. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss. Vince Yockel
October 6, 2011
Sorry for your loss. We remember Ellerbe coming to the reunions and Daddy enjoying talking to him. Will keep you in our prayers.
Jennifer Griffith Hipp(daughter of W.L. Griffith) Saluda SC
October 6, 2011
Sorry for your loss, Jamie. I only met your dad one time, but I know he was a very special person in your life.
Gene Spearman
October 5, 2011
Dearest Susie, Susan, Jamie and all the family, what can we say? He truly was a gentle giant, I can remember when he held our sweet Marcie is his hand, she fit perfectly, he was such a christian gentleman and a joy to be around. I know he and Gus shared many wonderful conversations (pertainly to sports of course)We share in your sorrow and wish we could be there, I am leaving for Wake Forest tomorrow for plans with Jeff and his family, but I think Gus is trying to work it out to be there for visitation. We love all of you so much and know that Jesus is holding you close as always,, with love, Shirley and Gus Colagerakis
October 5, 2011
Dear Susie:
I am so sorry to hear about "Daddy" and am so thankful that you had over 20 wonderful years together, my parents loved him and I have such great memories of his time at Wofford.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,Donna Culbertson Fritz
Nancy Cleland
October 5, 2011
We were sad to read of Ellerbe's passing today. He was such a special person to be around as are you Susie. Please know you are in our prayers. Love,Joe and Nancy Cleland
Lane Shelton
October 5, 2011
I am so very sorry for your loss. May his sweet memory bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Martha Little
October 5, 2011
Dear sweet Susie, I was so distressed to hear of Jim's passing, but wanted you to know my love and thoughts are with you now and through the coming days. So sorry that I won't be able to be there with you on Friday to celebrate a wonderful life, but prior commitments won't allow me to do that. Please know that I will definitely be there with you in spirit. I'm so thankful for the cherished memories I have of that sweet, dear man.
October 5, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. "Uncle Bill" was a great man." My thoughts are with you. Buffy Brown
Ellen Heavilon
October 5, 2011
Susan, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time of loss.
Kathy Belk
October 5, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Vicky Burton Guenthner
October 5, 2011
Susan so sorry to hear of your father's death. Mr. Neal was kind and so much fun to be around at our basketball games. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and rest of the family.
Andrea and Rich Stoller
October 5, 2011
Susie and family, What joy to know Jim is with His heavenly Father. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories knowing you will see each other again. We know he will be missed by so many. Our prayers are for comfort for you as you grieve the loss. Rich and Andrea
Gary Millwood
October 5, 2011
To the Family and Friends of James Ellerbe Neal, Sr.
My sincere sympathy for the loss you are now feeling; and, my best of thoughts for the treasured memories you have of James. Hold those memories close to your heart for they will bring comfort to you in the days and weeks ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you today. May God and His Angels enfold You and your Family in the love and strength which He shared; His kind words, reassuring touch, and warm smile will be remembered as gifts to those He loved.
We come to God not because we have it all together, but because we have needs.....not because we have earned His favor, but because He has extended mercy to us.....not because He helps those who help themselves, but because He ministers the grace we need to make it through our toughest days. God’s hands are healing and will renew you; His hands are calming and will comfort you; His hands are giving and will bless you.
Former Member and Staff of John Knox
October 5, 2011
Susie, I got to know you thru Cascades and know that you both will never be forgotten, It was a pleasure helping Jim , and having your encouraging smile . I pray for you and your family. You always had time to give us hugs, and ask how we were.
Beth
Eddie & Pam Davis
October 5, 2011
Your family is in our prayers and thoughts during this time of loss. We feel honored to have known Mr. Neal, even though it was for a very short time. He will be missed. His involvement in our MHCC events that he attended.
Eddie & Pam Davis
Steve & Gayle Merritt
October 4, 2011
Dearest Susie, children and grandchildren, Jim's obituary was so lovely and fitting for a man whose life was well-lived and well-loved. We are praying for each of you now, and in the days to come. May God comfort you and bless you all.
With much love,Steve & Gayle
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